AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) — A video posted by John Braswell, a resident closely monitoring the bald eagle nest in Auburn, revealed a devastating sight Saturday morning: the tree cradling the nest had been cut down, scattering its contents. For years, the nest was home to “Pam and Jim,” a pair of bald eagles beloved by the community.
As neighbors gathered near the site off N College Street across from AU Fisheries many were brought to tears as Pam and Jim were seen flying in tandem over the area where their nest once stood, appearing to search for their missing home. “It’s just so sad,” one neighbor said. “They keep circling the spot—it’s like they’re looking for it.”
The destruction of the nest has sparked outrage in the community, with Mayor Ron Anders and the entire Auburn City Council expressing anger and frustration over the actions of Hughston Homes. The City of Auburn has directed its legal team to pursue an investigation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to determine if the developer violated federal regulations in removing the nest.
City of Auburn Statement
On Saturday, the City of Auburn issued a statement condemning the removal of the nest, which occurred just days before a scheduled meeting with the developer to discuss alternatives for preserving the eagles’ nesting area. “Like many of you, the Auburn City Council and City staff were gravely disappointed to learn that the tree containing the bald eagles’ nest at the Heritage Ridge development has now been cut down by the developer and landowner, Edgar Hughston Builder, Inc.,” the statement read.
Mayor Pro Tem Beth Witten, who represents Ward 3 where the development is located, shared her devastation in a social media post. She accused Hughston Homes representative Tyler Findley of intentionally misleading her during a phone call on Friday afternoon.
“I specifically asked if the eagles’ nest would be untouched until we could hold our Zoom call Monday morning,” Witten wrote. “He ensured me of such. Then I learn today that he was present while the nest was taken down.”
Witten described the ordeal as “gut-wrenching” and apologized to residents for the outcome. She voiced support for the City Manager’s directive to have the city attorneys request a full investigation by the USFWS, adding, “I was not successful in my efforts, but this was due to the actions of integrity-less individuals who operate Hughston Homes.”
WRBL reached out to Hughston Homes for comment after we discovered Saturday the nest had been destroyed. So far we have not heard back. The video Braswell recorded shows only one tree was taken down, contradicting earlier claims that preserving the site would have significantly impacted wetlands on the property.
In a statement issued earlier this week, Hughston Homes defended its actions, citing regulations that require a 330-foot buffer around active nests. The developer claimed no eggs or hatchlings were in the nest and described it as an “alternate” site. The company also announced a financial contribution to eagle conservation efforts, though the amount remains undisclosed.
Community Outrage and Calls for Action
The USFWS prohibits nest removal if active eagles, eggs, or chicks are present. However, enforcement of federal laws relies heavily on permit holders to self-report activity. Critics argue this system is flawed and fails to ensure unbiased monitoring.
Residents and conservationists have expressed their frustration, demanding stricter enforcement of protections for bald eagles, a federally protected species. “How can you trust developers to monitor eagles they want gone?” one commenter questioned.
WRBL has reached out to federal lawmakers, including Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representative Mike Rogers, for comment. Neither has responded as of this update.
For now, the Auburn community mourns the loss of its iconic eagle’s nest, while city leaders pledge to seek accountability. Meanwhile, Pam and Jim’s poignant presence, circling the area where their nest once stood, continues to stir heartbreak and resolve among residents committed to protecting their feathered neighbors.
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